Steel Cup clash revives memories of glory years

Brantwood have won this coveted piece of silverware nine times, while it has adorned the Comrades boardroom on six occasions, and in days of yore such a cup tie would have seen Dixon Park packed to the rafters.

The Reds had a purple patch in the 1970s when they contested four finals in six years, but managed only one win - against Glentoran II in 1974, but during the ‘80s they contested the annual Christmas morning showpiece on three occasions, and brought home the trophy each time with wins against Killyleagh Youth Club (twice) and Distillery II.

Then came the lean seasons with 21 years elapsing before the family Christmas dinner routine was upset in 2007, when Jamesie Kirk’s lads were back at Seaview, but returned empty-handed when beaten 2-0 by old rivals Dundela.

So this season Comrades are on another cup run, with this third round clash with Brantwood likely to be given the Match of the Round tag.

After having been giants for many years in the former Intermediate League and later the B Division, the north Belfast club has switched allegiance to the Ballymena Premier League, where they are the current title holders.

So all is set for another titanic battle between these well known clubs, and Comrades chairman, Trevor McCann, hopes that old timers and newcomers to the town will turn out in numbers to give the Reds much valued support.

Elsewhere Comrades hit the jackpot when they were paired with Linfield in the second round of the IRN-BRU League Cup, to be played at Dixon Park on Tuesday 20th.